5 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for the Holidays

5 Must-Have Kitchen Tools for the Holidays

Be prepared for cooking a delicious holiday dinner with these 5 essential kitchen tools.

From a quality pie plate to a dependable set of brushes, the right kitchen tools can help you make your holiday feast a rousing success. Plus, get more mileage out of these gadgets with our tips for using them year round!

1. Pie PlateBake flaky, fully cooked crusts and achieve an even bake on homemade pies by using a quality pie plate. All sorts of cutting-edge models exist, but a sturdy, ovenproof glass or ceramic plate is all you need.

2. Meat ThermometerThis gadget is a crucial kitchen tool because it takes the guesswork out of cooking a perfectly tender turkey. We suggest an ovenproof digital version that allows you to read the temperature without opening and closing the oven. Be sure to handle the hot probe carefully and wash it thoroughly after each use.

Year-round uses: Check the doneness of beef, pork, poultry and egg dishes, plus use it when baking homemade bread to test the water temperature before adding yeast.

3. Bulb BasterThe secret to a moist, golden-skinned turkey is cooking it in its own juices, also called basting. Use this handheld tool – made of silicone or stainless steel – to make basting simple. Just be sure to baste with caution, as the drippings are piping hot.

Year-round uses: Remove and replace the murky water in fresh floral arrangements without having to remove the bouquet, or baste other tasty meat dishes.

4. Mesh StrainerWhip up smooth and creamy gravy with this essential tool. Rest it in a heat-resistant bowl, and then strain pan drippings through it. The super-fine wire mesh filters out unwanted bits, so you’re left with a bold-flavored base for gravy.

5. Set of BrushesAdd the finishing touches to your main courses and desserts with a useful set of brushes. Coat yummy pies with an egg wash, or brush the turkey with a brown sugar glaze. Avoid broken bristles and simplify cleanup by choosing ones that are dishwasher safe.